AnyDesk Unattended Access: Setup & Security

AnyDesk unattended access lets you connect to a computer remotely and control it without anyone on the other end accepting the connection. You set it up once with a permanent password, then you can reach that computer from anywhere, anytime, as long as it is on and connected to the internet. This article explains how to configure it, what security settings matter, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

What Is Unattended Access in AnyDesk?

Normally, when you connect to another computer with AnyDesk, the person at that computer sees a prompt and must click “Accept” before you can take over. Unattended access removes that step. After you assign a permanent password to a device, you can connect directly using its AnyDesk address (a 9-digit number) and that password. This is useful for managing your own desktop from a laptop, checking files on a home computer while traveling, or providing tech support to a family member who is not at the machine.

The feature is built into AnyDesk and does not require a paid plan for basic use. However, the free version limits some advanced security options and may show a session prompt in certain configurations. For most personal setups, the free tier works fine.

How to Set Up Unattended Access

Setting it up takes about two minutes on the computer you want to access remotely. Follow these steps on that machine:

1. Download and install AnyDesk from the official website. Run it once to complete the installation.
2. Look at the left side of the main window under “This Desk” – you will see the AnyDesk address (a 9-digit number). Write it down or save it in a note.
3. Click the menu button (the three horizontal lines) and select “Settings” or “Unattended Access” depending on your version.
4. In the “Security” or “Unattended Access” section, check the box that says “Enable unattended access.”
5. Set a permanent password. Use a strong one – at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid reusing passwords from other accounts.
6. Click “Apply” or “OK” to save. The computer is now ready for unattended connections.

On the device you will connect from (your laptop, phone, or another computer), install AnyDesk, enter the target machine’s address, and click “Connect.” A password prompt appears – type the permanent password you set. You are now in control.

If you want to connect without typing the password each time, you can save the credentials in your AnyDesk address book. This is convenient but means anyone with access to your AnyDesk profile can also connect, so enable two-factor authentication on your AnyDesk account if available.

How to Disable Unattended Access

Turning it off is just as simple. On the target computer, open AnyDesk, go to Settings → Security (or Unattended Access), uncheck “Enable unattended access,” and remove the permanent password. If you only want to block a specific device, you can also add it to a blacklist in the settings. For extra safety, you can change the permanent password periodically, especially if you suspect someone else knows it.

Security Considerations and Best Practices

Unattended access is a powerful tool, but it also creates a permanent entry point into your system. Here are the key security measures you should take:

• Use a strong, unique password – never reuse a password you use elsewhere. A password manager can generate and store it.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your AnyDesk account. This adds a second verification step when you log in to the AnyDesk client, protecting your address book and saved connections.
• Keep AnyDesk updated – updates often include security patches. Enable automatic updates if possible.
• Use Windows account permissions – on Windows, AnyDesk can run as a service. Restrict access to only the user accounts you trust.
• Consider a VPN – if you are connecting to a home network, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) adds an extra layer of encryption and hides the AnyDesk port from the public internet. However, for most users, AnyDesk’s built-in TLS 1.2 encryption is sufficient.

One common misconception is that AnyDesk uses peer-to-peer connections only, so your data never touches a server. In reality, AnyDesk uses a relay server when a direct connection cannot be established (e.g., behind strict firewalls). The connection is still encrypted, but it is not fully peer-to-peer in all cases. The encryption uses TLS 1.2, which is the same standard used by banks and online stores.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Even with correct setup, you may run into issues. Here are the most frequent ones and what to do:

• Connection times out – Check that the target computer is on, not sleeping, and has an internet connection. In Windows, go to Power Options and set “Sleep” to “Never” for the AC power plan. Also, make sure AnyDesk is allowed through the firewall.
• Password not accepted – Verify you are using the permanent password, not the temporary one that appears during a session. If you just changed it, wait a few seconds and try again. If it still fails, restart AnyDesk on both ends.
• Black screen after connecting – This often happens when the user account has no active session (e.g., the computer is at the lock screen). In AnyDesk settings, enable “Use a service for unattended access” on Windows. This allows you to see the lock screen and log in remotely.
• Audio or microphone not working – Unattended access does not automatically transmit sound. You must enable “Transfer audio” and “Transfer microphone” in the session toolbar before connecting. These options are in the input settings of the AnyDesk window.
• Performance is laggy – Reduce the quality settings in the session toolbar (e.g., set to “Fast” or “Balanced”). A slow internet connection or high resolution can cause lag. Also, close unnecessary programs on the remote computer.

AnyDesk vs. TeamViewer vs. Chrome Remote Desktop

AnyDesk is often compared to TeamViewer and Chrome Remote Desktop. Here is a quick breakdown:

• AnyDesk – Lightweight, fast, and has a generous free tier for personal use. It offers unattended access with a permanent password. The interface is clean and the connection speed is generally excellent.
• TeamViewer – More feature-rich (file transfer, meeting tools) but the free version is limited to personal use and may flag commercial use. Unattended access is available but the setup is slightly more complex, and the software is heavier.
• Chrome Remote Desktop – Completely free, works in the browser, and is very easy to set up. However, it lacks advanced features like audio transfer and does not have a built-in address book with saved passwords (you use a PIN). It is a good option for basic needs but less feature-rich than AnyDesk.

For most individuals who want a free, reliable unattended access solution without a heavy footprint, AnyDesk is a strong choice. If you need advanced collaboration features, TeamViewer might be better. If you want simplicity and already use Chrome, the Chrome Remote Desktop is worth trying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AnyDesk unattended access free?

Yes, AnyDesk offers a free version for personal use that includes unattended access. You can set a permanent password and connect from an unlimited number of devices. However, some advanced security features like two-factor authentication for the AnyDesk account are only available in paid plans. The free version may also show a small advertisement window after a session.

Can I use AnyDesk unattended access on a Mac?

Yes, AnyDesk works on macOS. The setup is similar: install AnyDesk, go to Preferences → Security, and enable “Unattended access” with a permanent password. On macOS, you may need to grant AnyDesk accessibility permissions in System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Accessibility. This is required for remote control to work.

How do I change the permanent password in AnyDesk?

Open AnyDesk on the target computer, go to Settings → Security (or Unattended Access), and click “Change password.” Enter the current password, then the new one. The change takes effect immediately. If you forget the password, you can reset it by disabling and re-enabling unattended access, but you must be physically at the computer to do that.

Does AnyDesk work when the computer is locked?

Yes, if you have enabled the AnyDesk service on Windows (Settings → Security → “Use a service for unattended access”). This allows you to see the lock screen and log in with your Windows credentials. On macOS, you need to enable “Accessibility” permissions and the computer must be at the login screen. Without the service, you can only connect when a user is logged in.

Is AnyDesk safe for banking or sensitive work?

AnyDesk encrypts all sessions with TLS 1.2, which is secure enough for most purposes. However, for highly sensitive activities like online banking, it is still risky to allow remote access to your computer, because the remote operator can see everything on the screen. If you must use it, only connect from trusted devices and use a strong password. For banking, it is safer to do it on a device that does not have unattended access enabled.

Why does AnyDesk say “Connection refused”?

This usually means the target computer is not running AnyDesk, the firewall is blocking the connection, or the AnyDesk service is not running. Check that AnyDesk is open on the target machine, and add AnyDesk to the firewall exceptions. On Windows, you can also try running AnyDesk as an administrator. If the issue persists, restart both computers.

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